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Susan Anderson, Executive Director of Marketing for the Nicotra Group, is responsible for the marketing efforts of the Hilton Garden Inn, the Hampton Inn & Suites, Nicotra’s Ballroom, Lorenzo’s Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret, the COMMONS café and Above. A lifelong Staten Islander, Susan is a graduate of Notre Dame Academy High School and St. John’s University.

She began her 30 year career in Communications on Wall Street at Drexel Burnham Lambert, and later returned to Staten Island as Director of Communications for the practice of Orlando Gonzalez Jr., M.D. ​Susan recently celebrated her 11th anniversary with The Nicotra Group and is excited about the Nicotra Group’s newest developments at the Corporate Park of Staten Island - Corporate Commons Three, which will be located at the Teleport is a 280,000 square foot, seven story office building that will feature an organic roof garden, vineyard, and a new social enterprise eatery, Pienza Pizza, Pasta & Porchetta, where 100% of the profits will go to Staten Island charities, mirroring the philanthropic model at their COMMONS café. The Nicotras opened the COMMONS café in 2011 with an initial investment of $1.6 million. The Nicotra Foundation has awarded nearly $600,000 in the form of grants to more than 200 Staten Island nonprofits and college scholarships available to their 500 employees’ children and grandchildren. Susan has two daughters and is an avid cyclist and boxer.

​I’m Yekaterina (I go by Katie!) Angelova, recently with a few extra letters (specifically M and D) at the end of my name.

I was born in Ukraine, in a vibrant little city on the coast, in 1989 and immigrated to NYC with my family in the middle of the blizzard of ‘96. I grew up in Brooklyn, where I attended public school.

​I first learned of my love for medicine in middle school, when I joined a program at the New York Academy of Medicine called Junior Fellows, and presented my first medicine-related project on sickle cell anemia (complete with red blood cell plushies created out of red felt and cotton balls with my mom’s help).

I attended Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan with the goals of being accepted to a college of my choice, where I could begin my long journey to becoming a physician.

I completed my pre-med courses and Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Cornell University and was accepted to medical school at Ross University on the beautiful Caribbean island of Dominica (not to be confused with Dominican Republic). After 16 months of hard work and adventure on the island, I returned to US soil to complete my clinical rotations in all the major fields of medicine at Jamaica Hospital in Queens. I was lucky to have found my calling in psychiatry during this time, and have since immersed myself fully in this complex, challenging, and deeply rewarding field at Richmond University Medical Center, where I am currently a second year resident in psychiatry.

I work with patients suffering from a variety of mental illnesses - from mild depression to severe and sometimes frightening forms of psychosis , stabilizing their symptoms, educating them and their families about ways to cope with their illnesses and, of course, fighting daily to repair the stigma that unfortunately still plagues the field of mental health.

Edward J. CanlonOwner & Executive Chef​CANLON'S RESTAURANT

Eddie Canlon has 32 years in the food and beverage industry, including front and back of house. He was in his sophomore year at Monsignor Farrell High School when he took stock in the family business and began to cook. His parents owned the Esquire Club in West Brighton, one of the oldest restaurants in Staten Island and his family was old school, so every day he got on the bus and worked at the business. During Canlon’s last two years of high school, he was a dishwasher, porter, or salad prep guy. He worked his way up and at the age of 24, had a shot at head chef.

That was after Canlon had taken some courses at New York City’s Culinary Institute and had been influenced by more than a dozen different cooks…and after Esquire’s head chef broke his leg.So, he took the reins and honed his skills, developing his own style of cooking along the way. When his father expanded the family business in 1985, opening Canlon’s in Oakwood, the chef took an even more active role.That’s when Canlon focused his efforts on the menu, crafting an eclectic mix of continental dishes and comfort foods that reflect influences of Italian, German, French and American cuisines.

Applying all these cultural influences and skills he had learned, he created his own style and many new innovative dishes. And what did stick was Canlon’s staple dishes: beef Wellington, pot roast, turkey with stuffing, corned beef and cabbage, braised lamb shank, and barbecue baby back ribs.There’s an alternate side to Canlon’s cooking, too; his lunch menu is filled with a range of salads and hearty sandwiches both unique and gratifying. Canlon’s cooking is well rounded as well; all of his dinners include soup, salad, and a bread basket—a type of comfort presentation that brought the chef fame on the Food Network series, Chopped.

“It was a Thanksgiving-themed episode and we had to create an appetizer, entrée, and dessert with a range of ingredients,” Canlon said. He won the episode with his traditional dinner and donated the $10,000 prize to charity.“I’m happy driving a Chrysler,” hesaid, smiling. “Supporting local charities is very important to me.” And cooking is simply what Canlon loves to do.“I was 16 when I started, and just fell in love with this business,” the chef added. “I’m a hardworking guy, and this is my American dream.”

Robert E. Englert, RA, AIA has over 35 years of professional experience, including the private practice of architecture, planning, site planning, urban design, interior design and space planning, governmental approvals including NYS and NYC regulatory policies and compliance for land use-related reviews, staff development, President of the American Institute of Architects-Staten Island Chapter (SI AIA), Mayor’s Growth Management Task Force, Board of Directors NYC Economic Development Corporation, Land Use Director and Administrative Architect.

He received his B.S. in Architecture and B.Arch. from the City College of New York. He is a licensed registered architect in New York and New Jersey, and is registered with the National Council of Architectural Registration Board.

He has represented clients with applications filed before multiple City and State Agencies including actions required under NYS and NYC Environmental Quality Review, Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) and wetland mitigation. He has developed an extensive knowledge and understanding of the interpretations, policies and procedures of various municipalities throughout the State of New Jersey, in addition to the myriad intricacies of New York City land use development. He has worked on projects, filed applications or testified before local planning or zoning boards in the Townships of Belmar, Cranbury, Dunellen, Hamilton, Jackson, Lacey, Lawrence, Marlboro, Matawan, Point Pleasant Beach, Scotch Plains, Washington, and Woodbridge in New Jersey.

Robert currently is a member of the SI AIA, where he has served on the zoning and technical affairs and executive nominations committees. During his tenure as President of the organization, he created a scholarship and internship program for Staten Island high school students to establish and develop a practical understanding of the architectural profession for students considering this career path.

In 2003, he was appointed to Mayor Bloomberg’s Growth Management Task Force where he actively participated in the zoning committee that formulated the base recommendations formally submitted to the Mayor.

In his current role as Director of the Division of Land Use, Planning and Infrastructure for Borough President James S. Oddo, he oversees the Planning Division and Topographical Bureau to assist the Borough President in planning for the growth, improvement and development of the Borough.

Father of five children, Robert is a nationally-certified USA Swimming and high school swimming official, and has also coached Little League baseball and basketball in his community.

John A. Fusco retired as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York in December 2013 and joined the Staff of Borough President James S. Oddo as General Counsel on January 2, 2014.

Previously he was elected Surrogate of Richmond County in November 1998 and continued to serve in that capacity until December 14, 20117.

Previous to the position of Surrogate he was elected to the position as a member of the City Council from January 1991 until his election to the Judiciary. He held the position of Minority Whip.

A State Island native, Judge Fusco graduated from St. Peter’s Boy High School on Staten Island, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from St. Peter’s University and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from the New England School of Law. His parents Michael and Rose migrated to America from Italy.

Judge Fusco, upon graduation from law school entered the Armed Forces and served as the Headquarters Company Commander. He remained in that post from 1963 to 1965, and was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky and then at Fort Hood, Texas. Upon his return from active duty, he commenced the practice of law. He became active in the Republican Party politics and was the Law Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Richmond County Republican Party. He served as court attorney to Judge Mark A. Costantino in Supreme Court, prior to that Judge’s elevation to the Federal District Court.

He had lectured as a member of the Continuing Legal Education Programs in the field of estate and trust law. He has been a member of the CLE Faculty of the Richmond County Bar Association and Columbian Lawyers Association, Kings County.

He was an adjunct professor at the College of Staten Island teaching courses in Business Law (1999-2002).

Judge Fusco is married to the Former Carol Ann Odessa. He has two children, Michael and Michele, and five grandchildren, Chelsea Ann Fusco, Michael Christopher Fusco, Luanne Sarah Melamed, John Michael Fusco and Alyssa Lynn Fusco.

His community participation is well known throughout Staten Island. He was a member of the Board of Directors of various non-for-profit, community based and service organizations centering their activities in the County of Richmond. He was active as a member, officer or member of the board of the following organizations: St. Bernadino Society, Staten Island Meals on Wheels, Staten Island Lions Club, Knights of Columbus Staten Island Council, Young People’s Information Center, Richmond County Bar Association, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Iron Hill Civic Association, Staten Island University Hospital, Lay Advisory Board – Our Lady Queen of Peace and its Pro Life Committee, American Heart Association, Staten Island September 11th Fund, Surrogates Association of the State of New York and Supreme Court Justices Association of New York. He was also active as a member and coach in various youth programs at the Catholic Youth Organization, Staten Island Little League and at Our Lady Queen of Peace.

Throughout his career as an attorney, elected official, Surrogate of Richmond County Justice New York State Supreme Court and now as General Counsel to Staten Island Borough President James S. Oddo, he has been honored by the following groups and institutions: New England School of Law, Multiple Sclerosis Center of Staten Island, American Red Cross Life Saver Award, American Heart Association, Staten Island Lions Club, Staten Island Trial Lawyers, Richmond County Bar Association, Borough President of Staten Island, Grand Marshal of Columbus Day Parade, St. Bernardino Society, Federation of Italian-American Organizations, Catholic Youth Organization, Iron Hills Civic Association, St. Finbars Church, Italian Club of Staten Island, Staten island Meals on Wheels, Young Peoples Information Service, Seaview Hospital Auxiliary, Staten Island Public Schools 11, 13, 26, 38, 41, 45, 46, 48 and 54, Intermediate Schools 2 and Frank D. Paulo 75, Susan Wagner High School, New Dorp High School, Monsignor Farrell High School, various Holy Name Societies, Midland Beach Civic Association, Old Town Civic Association, New Corp Central Civic Association, Richmond County Engine #1, the Bloomfield Greenbelt Conservancies, Seamen’s Society for Children and Families, New York State Court Officers Association and named “Angel in Adoption” by the Congressional Coalition On Adoption Institute of the Congress of the U.S.A.

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Eddie JoyceAuthor​SMALL MERCIES

Eddie Joyce is the author of SMALL MERCIES (Viking 2015), which was shortlisted for the Grand Prix De Litterature Americaine (France). He graduated from Harvard University and Georgetown Law Center. He practiced law, primarily white collar criminal defense, for ten years before publishing his novel.

​He was born and raised on Staten Island and now lives in Brooklyn with his wife and three daughters. He is at work on his second novel.

Rose KerrDirector of EducationS.I. BOROUGH PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

Rose Kerr currently serves as the Director of Education for Borough President James Oddo. She has been in the field of public school education for over twenty five years. In 2009 she founded the Staten Island School of Civic Leadership, reestablishing the K-8 public school model on Staten Island. During the 2010-11 school year, she brought her new school to public prominence by its being distinguished as the highest rated NYC Public School.

Ms. Kerr's received her Master of Science Degree in Science Education from Brooklyn College, and completed her 6th Year Advanced Degree in School Administration and Supervision from the College of Staten Island.​Ms. Kerr accomplishments include:featured in a New York Times Educational Profile article for her leadership role in education, 2011; named as the 2012 recipient of the Teaching Matters’ Elizabeth Rohatyn Prize for her leadership in innovative teaching practices; recipient of the 2012 New York Urban League’s Mills G. Skinner Education Award for her service and contributions to the Staten Island educational community recipient of the 2011 United Federation of Teachers’ School Partnership Award; recipient of the 2009-10 NYC Department of Education’s Principal’s Award for Leadership; selected for the 2013 cohort of the Cahn Fellows Program for Distinguished Principals, Columbia University;2012 and 2013 featured speaker for world-renowned educator and author Harry K. Wong’s School Leadership Conferences.

Brian J. LalineExecutive EditorSTATEN ISLAND ADVANCE

Education: Graduated from New Dorp High SchoolGraduated from LaSalle University, Philadelphia, PA, with a bachelor’s degree in EnglishReceived a master’s degree from Wagner College in Education.

Career: Taught English in Philadelphia high school before coming to the Advance.Began as a reporter for the Staten Island Advance in 1972. Served in various capacities as copy editor and city editor before being named editor in 1992

John Mattera is a pharmacist at Arrochar Pharmacy in South Beach. He was born and raised in the very community where he has been practicing his profession for the past 40 years.​John attended St Johns University in Jamaica,Queens and graduated in 1977 with a B.S In Pharmacy degree. Soon after graduating he purchased the pharmacy where he had worked as a kid.

John has always felt a closeness to his community. He is involved in many organizations.

He is Vice President of East Shore Little League for the past 25 years, President of the Staten Island Baseball Oldtimers,member of Cespino Russo American Legion and FDNY Captain Michael Esposito Memorial Fund to name a few.

He has been honored by such organizations as Holy Rosary Parish,St John's Villa Acameny,South Beach Civic Association and the Global Medical Relief Fund.

John has a true love for the South Beach community and tries to do all he can to keep it a great place to live and raise a family.

Captain Tom MorkanCaptainUNITED STATES COAST GUARD

Captain Morkan reported aboard Sector New York in June 2015 as the Deputy Sector Commander, and leads more than 700 active duty personnel, 75 civilian employees, 300 reservists, and 2000 Auxiliary members with operational assets that include seven cutters, three small boat stations, and two aids to navigation teams. Overall, the Sector is charged with ensuring the safety, security, and stewardship of the Port of New York and New Jersey as well as the Hudson River.

Captain Morkan enlisted into the Coast Guard in 1991 and after basic training at Cape May, New Jersey attended Electronics Technician training at Training Center Petaluma, California. After serving as a technician at Electronics Maintenance Detachment Boston and aboard the CGC CAMPBELLhomeported in New Bedford, Massachusetts, he was selected to attend Officer Candidate School in Yorktown, Virginia where he received his commission in July of 1993.

Prior tours include Assistant Chief, Reserve Training Section at the First District Office, Boston; First Lieutenant of CGC ESCANABA homeported in Boston; Executive Officer of CGC CUSHING homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Maritime Law Enforcement School Instructor at Training Center Yorktown, Virginia; Commanding Officer of CGC KEY BISCAYNE homeported in St. Petersburg, Florida; Doctrine, Acquisition and Evaluation Branch Chief at the Coast Guard Performance Technology Center, Yorktown, Virginia; Chief of Response, Sector Boston. Captain Morkan most recently served as Training Officer of the Special Missions Training Center where he was responsible for High Risk Tactical Boat training supporting the Ports, Waterways and Coastal Security mission, Tactical Operator Training supporting Coast Guard Deployable Specialized Forces as well as managed all Pre-Deployment Training for Coast Guard Forces deploying OCONUS to Afghanistan, Bahrain or Saudi Arabia.

Captain Morkan is a native of Simsbury, Connecticut and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics from Saint Anselm College, Manchester, New Hampshire and a Master of Science in Instructional Systems Design from Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida. He is married to the former Tamicha Ortiz of Belmont Shores, California and currently resides in Staten Island, New York with their two sons.

Travis NoyesChief Marketing OfficerTHE NEW YORK WHEEL

Senior Vice President of MarketingEMPIRE OUTLETS

Travis Noyes serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for the New York Wheel and Senior Vice President of Marketing for Empire Outlets. These two projects are the cornerstones of a billion-dollar transformational redevelopment of the St. George, Staten Island waterfront. Travis spearheads the Destination St. George Marketing coalition which includes: The New York Wheel, Empire Outlets, Staten Island Yankees, Snug Harbor Botanical Garden and Cultural Center and the new Lighthouse Point development. Travis also serves on the Boards of NYC & Company, Big Apple Greeter and is also Chairman of the Lower Manhattan Marketing Association (LOMA).

Previously Travis held the positions of Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing as well as Chief Operating Officer of New York Water Taxi, Circle Line Downtown and Water Taxi Beach. Travis was a critical part of the startup executive team of New York Water Taxi, helping to build a service that carries millions of passengers a year throughout New York City’s harbor. Travis managed the acquisition and integration of Circle Line Downtown and helped oversee the creation of the Water Taxi Beaches in Long Island City, South Street Seaport and Governor’s Island.

Travis lives in Hastings on Hudson, NY with his wife Fiona, sons Jack and Connor and his dog Red.

Dr. Philip E. OtterbeckChief of the Division of EndocrinologyRICHMOND UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Dr. Philip E. Otterbeck is the Chief of the Division of Endocrinology at Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC).

Dr. Otterbeck received his Bachelor of the Arts degree in Biology with honors from New York University, Manhattan. He completed his doctor of medicine degree at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, where he also completed a residency program in Internal Medicine and a subspecialty fellowship in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism.

In addition to his busy clinical practice and several ongoing research projects at Richmond University Medical Center, Dr. Otterbeck has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in the fields of diabetes, obesity (specifically bariatric surgery), women's health, and disorders of the thyroid gland.

Dr. Otterbeck is also a popular lecturer at RUMC among the medical residents and around Staten Island, where he conducts workshops and educational seminars about diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity. He is a member of the RUMC Foundation Board of Trustees where he assists with hospital fundraising activities to support critical infrastructure development. He has been a member of Borough President James Oddo's Health and Wellness Council.​Dr. Otterbeck continues to live on Staten Island with his wife, Victoria, and their children, Ava Grace and Philip Thomas.

Aileen Gemma SmithCEOVIZALYTICS TECHNOLOGY

She has worked with high school and university students as a mentor, and Vizalytics has provided internship opportunities for students. Vizalytics Technology is focused on business intelligence and data analytics solutions that power smart cities. Vizalytics works with public and private sector companies in the US and Europe.

For students that are keen to learn more about careers in tech and working with startups, getting involved in data science Aileen is happy to share her perspective. For students eager to get involved in fast paced, competitive environments with evolving needs and a focus on execution- this would be a great time to connect.

Ryan WalshPresidentWALSH ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING, INC.

Ryan Walsh, President of Walsh Electrical Contracting, Inc., a family-owned and operated electrical contracting business serving the 5 boroughs of NYC, has worked his entire life in the construction industry.

​A graduate of Wagner College as well as the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, Ryan has held positions in the demolition, carting, scrap metal recycling, and electrical industries. Upon the death of his father, Ryan Walsh has dedicated his career to Walsh Electric and an aggressive growth strategy. Utilizing a 35 year foundation laid by his father, Ryan is looking to new and exciting markets and opportunities. Walsh Electric is a proud member of Local Union #3 and is a certified WBE with New York City and New York State.

He currently resides in Staten Island, and is married with 4 children.

Ebony S. Washington began her career with the New York City Police Department on March 1st, 2000. Upon graduating from the police academy, Officer Washington was assigned to patrol at the 122nd Precinct. Her hard work landed her a position on the 122nd Precinct Burglary Team. Her drive and determination secured her promotions to Sergeant in October 2005 where she served at PSA1, Lieutenant in July 2008 in the Manhattan Court Section, Captain in November 2011 as the Executive Officer in the Patrol Borough of Brooklyn South, 68, 69 & 70 Precincts. In February 2014 she worked in the Communications Section monitoring daily citywide 911 and radio dispatching operations. Captain Washington became the Commanding Officer of the 122nd Precinct in March 2015 where she was promoted again to the rank of Deputy Inspector on December 18th, 2015.

As a life-long Staten Islander, she was the oldest of seven children. DI Washington is a graduate of Ralph R. McKee Career & Technical Education High School and NYC College of Technology where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Legal Assistant Studies. She enjoys spending time with her two children, Jordan and Bekim, and in her spare time is an avid baker. Her love of baking actually had her considering a career in the culinary arts as she contemplated enrolling in pastry school in her younger years.

If history is our teacher, her story will not end here as we can expect great accomplishments from Deputy Inspector Ebony S. Washington.

Meg VentrudoExecutive DirectorJACQUES MARCHAIS MUSEUM ​OF TIBETAN ART

Meg Ventrudo is a self-described “history geek” and “museum nerd” who has more than 25 years of experience working in art museums, history museums, and historic houses.

In 2004, Meg joined the staff of the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art as Executive Director. At the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, Meg is responsible for all aspects of museum management including fundraising, marketing, programming, and the preservation of the Museum’s two fieldstone buildings. In her tenure at the Museum, Ms. Ventrudo has hosted visits from several Buddhist dignitaries including, His Holiness Ngawang Tenzin of Bhutan, the Venerable Thupten Ngondrop, the Medium of the State Oracle of Tibet, and His Holiness Sakya Trizin. The highlight of her career was meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2010.

Meg has had the good fortune to travel with the Museum assisting with Museum trips to Tibet (2013), Nepal (2014), London (2015) where one of the Museum’s sculptures was exhibited at the Wellcome Gallery Collection, and India (2016).

Ms. Ventrudo is committed to working in the non-profit sector of the community and she is a member of the Board of the Staten Island Not-For-Profit Association. She volunteers her time to assist with programming at the Museum of Maritime Navigation and Communication. She is a volunteer with the Notre Dame Club of Staten Island – her first Bread of Life Food Drive (BOLD) was in 1995. She currently serves as a mentor for the ND Ignite Program. Meg is the Treasurer of the North Shore Democratic Club.

Ms. Ventrudo has been recognized with the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation’s “40-Under-40 Award” and the Soroptomist of Staten Island “Ruby Award.”

Prior to joining the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, Meg was the Assistant Director for Exhibits and Education at the Museum of American Finance in Manhattan. She has also worked at Gunston Hall in Fairfax, Virginia and Mount Clare Mansion in Baltimore, Maryland.

Ms. Ventrudo received a M.A. in American History from George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia and a B.A. in History from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. She is the Vice President of the Loyola NYC Alumni Board. In May 2008, Ms. Ventrudo completed the Columbia University Institute for Not-for-Profit Management.

Ms. Ventrudo currently resides in St. George. She is a foodie, and she has completed the High Rock Challenge every year since 2012.

Ed WisemanFormer Executive DirectorHISTORIC RICHMOND TOWN

Ed Wiseman is a successful executive with experience in the for-profit and not-for-profit business worlds. He is a creative architect who is known to produce results. Throughout his career he has worked with teams that exceed expectations.

Wiseman graduated NYU Tisch School of the Arts in 1982 with honors. He began working as an assistant producer for Lancit Media Productions and began producing and directing within five years. He worked on the original pilot episode of the PBS series Reading Rainbow and continued working on every season for over twenty years.

During that time he helmed his own production company Moving Pictures Inc. and formed strategic partnerships with RCN Entertainment, On Screen Entertainment and Rocket Science Entertainment. He became known for working on projects of meaning and substance. He became the creative architect on productions for PBS, CBS, WE, CNBC, HIST, SHO, TVLAND, SYN and others while working with talented professionals Martha Stewart, Angelina Jolie, Richard Gere, Meg Ryan, Tim Robbins, Naomi Judd, and many more.

He has been honored with eight Emmy Awards for directing and producing, over 25 nominations, Peabody, Prix Jeunesse, Environmental Media and other awards.

In 2008 he was asked to become the Executive Director of Historic Richmond Town where he brought his creative vision to the 160 year old institution. He has doubled attendance, created new signature events, tripled earned income, re-engaged the public and refocused the medium-sized City of New York cultural institution on its mission. He is currently managing multiple capital projects and over $12 million in funding.

He continues to work on special projects in the film and television world as he redefines the meaning of museum.

​He lives on Staten Island with his wife, three children and golden retriever.